I’m looking to see what new 640 resolution thermal scopes have been introduced to the market recently. I eradicate hogs and coyotes for some land owners at night, and I’m thinkin about selling what I currently have and getting a couple new thermals. I’m looking for scopes in the 2-3x base magnification range with a 640 resolution. I’d like one of them to be able to serve double duty as a smaller spotter/scanner, while also being able to be mounted to a second rifle for the nights when I have a friend join me.
Features I’d prefer, but not necessarily deal breakers:
laser range finder (at least one will have to have this feature).
Internal video recording, preferably with audio.
18650 batteries.
Doesn’t cost $10,000.
Other cool new features that I don’t even know about yet.
In a perfect world, I’d find 2 scopes that have all of the above.

I’m not really sure what any of the new offerings are, so thanks in advance!

AGM Varmint LRF TS35-640 Thermal Weapon Sight

Yessir! Great price point on it too. Just wish the background image was a little sharper/better contrast. But all in all would make a great back up scope and serve double duty as a spotter/scanner for the $$

Question- how hard is it to use the LRF feature while using the scope as a hand held. Seems like it might be difficult to hold the scope steady enough to range a critter several hundred yards away.

If the 18650 batteries are a hard requirement, DNS is right....the Varmint is the only scope on the market that's going to fit all your criteria.

If you're willing to get away from the 18650 and go to another generic rechargeable like the 26650, then I'd also consider the (soon to be released) iRay Rico GH50R. It's $5,499, includes the LRF, 640, 3x base mag and has all the other features you mentioned. It should be shipping within the next couple weeks.

Otherwise, nothing is going to meet all your requirements.

To answer your questions about hand holding and ranging, it's not super easy. The Varmint is harder than the Rico G because you have to press a button to send the laser so that adds more shake to it. The Rico G's laser is constantly in a "scan" mode and pulsing the laser so it's giving you (or trying to) a read out on everything you point it at. This means you can hold it a little more steady since you don't have to press in on a button to get a range. With that said, in scan mode I'd say the average person can hold the scope steady enough to get a range on an animal the size of a hog at about 250-300 yards max. After that you'll need to be leaning up against something or resting on a tripod etc.

If you have more questions, feel free to give us a call, we're always glad to help.

Jason